Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
538. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 348 of 14 November 2023, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have the PQ answered. [54750/23]
View answerThe Deputy if referring to Parliamentary Question number 48966 of 13 November 2023 where he sought the budget allocation for the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau in the years 2021. 2022 and 2023.
I am now advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a figure for the budget allocation for the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. This unit is part of the Organised and Serious Crime Branch and does not have a specific overall budget allocated to it.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024 - a 23% increase since 2020, allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 (1) (b) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána. Decisions on future allocations and spending in relation to Garda units are under the Commissioner's remit. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.
